New Clutch Pack Time; Suggestions??

[Lyle Haws]

Well, if it ain't one thing, it's another! Discovered it is definitely time for a new clutch for the '86! Reverse had been getting a little tough to find, and 1st was slipping, but today...there just ain't no getting around it...need a new package to hook up!

I'm hoping someone can recommend a clutch pak that they have used and really like (or any that they tried and DIDN"T like, so I can avoid the pain!)

Prices seem to be all over the map..my local Speed Shop is pushing Center Force @ $335.00 for the whole deal...I have seen web site auto parts places as low as $180.00 for a "stock" clutch, pressure plate and throwout bearing...Ecklers is somewhere in between...What is the consensus here? thanks in advance!

 

[Ken]

I use a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch set up and I like it.

 

[Lyle Haws]

One vote for Centerforce! Does the $335.00 price for the package sound about right?

 

[Ken]

I purchased mine through 4-Wheel Parts here locally, and probably paid the average cost, which was $284 for the disc and pressure plate, the flywheel was extra of course, but you don't necessarily need a new flywheel unless yours is shot.

I like the easy pedal effort needed for the Centerforce, and so far have not experienced any slippage problems, even with my ET Streets mounted.

_ken

 

[JrdnsEdu]

Lyle- You said..
"Reverse had been getting a little tough to find, and 1st was slipping, but today...there just ain't no getting around it...need a new package to hook up!"

I have zero experience with transmissions- install or diagnosis.

I guess I'm confused on how you can tell the transmission needs overhaul/work versus only a new clutch set up..?

My 69 slips in 2nd gear when I lay off the gas; while 1st and reverse are sometimes a bit hard to engage...but 3rd and 4th are usually okay.
I'm now thinking maybe I dont need a whole new tranny. I hope someone can help explain this to me.
THANKS!

 

[rrubel]

Another vote for the Centerforce; I believe I paid about $280 shipped for the clutch and throwout bearing. Mine might need some adjusting, though, as I've had some slip at the dragstrip after a couple aggressive runs. However, it's held up to track days with no complaints and it's light enough to drive in the city.
[RICHR]

 

[JonM]

My vote is for a stock clutch if you just drive it normally. Ken’s car is a racecar and it appears that RICHR also uses it on the strip. Richr, do you still have the stock hydraulics for the clutch? If so you may have another problem, there is no adjustment with hydraulics.

 

[rrubel]

Jon, yes I still have the stock hydraulics. Master and slave cylinders were replaced when the clutch was put in. The clutch works great under most conditions, except two times at the strip it slipped during the 1-2 shifts. You can't make ANY adjustments with hydraulics?

Way I look at it, if you put in a Centerforce or other street-friendly performance clutch and don't drive hard, you'll just never have to replace it again (or you're ready in case you DO want to start giving the car a workout...).

[RICHR]

 

[JonM]

You can't make ANY adjustments with hydraulics?

[RICHR]

Nope...no adjustments...I hope you are not getting oil from the rear main seal on your new clutch. Slipping can occure from overheating the clutch also...maybe one to many runs that day.

 

[Lyle Haws]

Great info, folks! And the high $200's price is okay with me; just means my speed shop guy is gouging a bit! I will see if I can find a package on the web.

As to "how to tell if its the clutch or tranny?", I'm not the best one to ask, but in my experience, you can tell if you put it in 1st or 2nd and let it out and the car doesn't move...at all. Then try 3rd and 4th...normally the car would stall if you let out the clutch easy in 3rd or 4th ... if it's the clutch, the car will start moving and the engine will keep going. Simplified explanation, but "real world" experience!

Thanks folks...I agree that the "high performance" clutch s/b fine for the street if it uses all the stock hardware and the peddle pressure is no higher than normal...and if you "get on it" occassionally, it won't blow up on you!!! I'm goin' clutch shopping!